Along
the north from Panaji on the road to Belgaum,
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
covers 240-sq-kms. Thick forest clad slopes
of the Western Ghats that are rich in wildlife
and a paradise for bird watchers. The Bhagwan
Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the
Goan town of Mollem.This is the largest of
Goa's four protected wildlife areas, and contains
within it The Molem National Park.
The sanctuary is situated on the eastern
border of Goa, with Karnataka 53 kms away
from Panaji and 54 kms away from Margao. It
is easily accessible by both road and rail.
Unless you stay for at least a couple of
days, it is unlikely that you will catch a
glimpse of many of the animals that are sheltered
in the sanctuary, including Gaur, Sambar,
Leopards, Spotted Deer, Slender Toris, Jungle
Cats, Malayan Giant Squirrels, Pythons and
Cobras.
There are important geographical and historical
features in this sanctuary. Jeeps on private
arrangements go to the interior of the forest.
The sanctuary is particularly known for its
Leopards, Elephants, Deers & Gaur Or Indian
Bison.
It
is more convenient to view wild animals from
the Devil's Canion View Point. Bird lovers
may also find their best time over here. The
famous temple of Tambdisurla of the Kadambas
is situated 13-km from here. In Mangalore
to Margao journey on Konkan Railway one can
enjoy the beauty of Dudhsagar through the
windows.
Mollem has comfortable cottages and dormitories
built by the Directorate of Tourism for accommodation.
Police Outpost at the gateway of the sanctuary
in calm and quiet surroundings is like a painting
on a canvas in Mollem.
The sanctuary's setting in the foothills
of the Western Ghats is wonderful and the
countryside is one of the most peaceful that
you'll come across in Goa. One hundred metres
west of the entrance to the Molem Tourist
Resort is the Nature Education Centre, where
you can contact the Range Forest Officer,
from whom you can obtain permission for vehicle
access through the main park gate (which is
about 3 km east along the National Highway
4A). There is also an observation platform
a few kms into the park and the best time
to see wildlife is in the early morning or
late evening.
AROUND MOLEM
The
structure of the 13th century Mahadeva Temple
at Tambdi Surla is the only surviving evidence
of the glorious Kadamba Dynasty in Goa. Besides
being historically interesting, it's also
visually striking.
The temple appears to have survived the
ravages of both the Muslim and Portuguese
invaders by the virtue of its incredibly isolated
location. The temple is about 13 kms north
of Molem, and a trip out to it, along the
quiet country lanes, is an experience not
to be missed.
